Autorama Extreme 1953

With the 61st Detroit Autorama commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Ridler award, there was plenty of excitement felt within the massive confines of Cobo Center. Just when you thought you had seen it all, an escalator ride down to the basement unearthed a portal where you could step back in time. Autorama Extreme 1953 is a show within a show with a totally different feel from that of the brightly lit upstairs where vividly colored dream machines are many times viewed in luxurious surroundings. Once you entered through the doors it was obvious that this wasn’t an ordinary car show; in fact, you could swear that the clock stopped in the early ’50s. Gone were the high-intensity lights, carpeted and polished concrete floors, replaced by softer old-style lighting and weathered concrete floors showing their age with well-earned cracks. If it felt like a place where hot rodding was born you were pretty close to the truth.

2/13Jeff Watkins’ scorching 1956 Buick Special was slammed to the ground, coated in polished suede with a red flake accents, and set to roll on wide whites with Lancer caps.

As 100,000 square feet of floor space unfolded before your eyes it was easy to see over 200 traditional hot rods and custom cars laid out in a floor plan without any obstruction of barriers. The organic nature of the presentation allowed visitors to actually feel the vibe that each of the car owners infused into their builds. As you walked through the aisles stopping to admire many of the hammered hot rods, roadsters, slammed customs, and choppers, it was easy to talk with many of the owners who were on hand while adrenalin-fueled music filled the air from bands like the Orbit Suns and Twistin’ Tarantula’s. Plenty of clubs had a number of vehicles and motorcycles on display, including the Relix, Poor Boys, Lead Kings, Roadents, and Suspects, to name but a few. The basement has also become a favorite time for builders to debut and showcase many of their latest creations, with fresh offerings on the floor from numerous shops including Gas Axe Garage, Brothers Custom Automotive, Jason Graham Hot Rods, and JoKerr Fabrication. Lining many of the walls were countless vendors offering everything from tasty vintage swag to cool shirts, and even swap meet–style speed parts. There were plenty of artists showcasing their talent as well, including Keith Weesner, Ed Tillrock, Scott Fisk, Dan Brown, Chad Lampert, and Kevin Carter, along with many others. You also could have tuned in for the classy pin-up model competition, or stopped and had an old-time haircut. By the time Saturday evening arrived it was time for the custom hand-crafted awards to be handed out from a virtual who’s who of the hot rod world, including Chip Foose, Roy Brizio, Gene Winfield, Josh Shaw, George Poteet, and others. The basement show has its own cultural feel, making it a must-see anytime you visit the Autorama!

6/13Pin-up photographer Mitzi Valenzuela used Brian Brennan’s Editor’s Pick, belonging to Hilton Family Racing’s Hemi-powered Model A coupe, along with the lovely Leena Allure to capture a perfect moment.

10/13Jason Graham Hot Rods hammered and channeled Larry Tucker’s 1934 Ford hauler, coated it in deep brown gloss, and filled it with a mile-high huffed Rat, fed by six deuces.